Removable storm water devices

ABSTRACT

Debris removing screen basket and overflow apparatus embodiments for use in a storm collection sewer. The device has two embodiments, each including a central panel with foldable wings in each side of the central panel. During initial assembly, the wings are folded up around the central panel for insertion through a manhole cover. Each wing can have an optional extension panel. In the first embodiment, the wings, extension panels and the central panel form a single type panel that is inclined at a variable angle so as to suit various floor conditions at a particular location. Both wings and extension panels have angled deflector top portions, while the central panel does not. A screen mesh basket is supported behind the central panel. Storm water and debris fill up the area in front of the apparatus. The rising water when reaching the height of the deflector portions is forced over the central panel and into the basket. In the second embodiment the central panel and the wings form a ramp chute which angle down from street level into the basket itself. Overflowing water can run around the sides of the filled basket. Filled baskets in both embodiments are removable while the remaining structure is left undisturbed. The baskets can be double levelled where a top layer has larger openings for holding larger debris and the lower tier level can have smaller opening therein for holding sand.

This invention is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Application Ser. No.08/520,026 filed on Aug. 28, 1995 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,445, bythe same inventors thereof whose subject matter is incorporated byreference.

This invention relates to storm water collection sewers and moreparticular to removable screen and concrete devices for insertion intoroadway storm water collection sewers to prevent and filter debris fromentering the sewers without inhibiting or blocking excess storm waterrunoff.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Storm water runoff generally causes numerous problems to existingroadways. For example, the storm water can be of a great flow capacitythat is variable in volume. Furthermore, the storm water runoff usuallyincludes different types of debris such as but not limited to branches,twigs leaves, garbage, refuse and the like. The debris can themselvescause much problems down a storm sewer such as clogging up existingdrain lines and the polluting of local waterways with the refuse andgarbage.

Existing storm water drain collection sewers generally have gratedand/or recessed inlets placed in a roadway's pavement and/or in the curbareas. The storm water is then conveyed through a storm sewer piping toan outfall in an existing drainage way, lake, stream, river, ocean andthe like. Presently, no economically viable solution exists to removethe natural or manmade refuse, trash and the like, that inherently flowsinto the storm sewers. The natural and manmade refuse, trash and thelike become pollutants in the water bodies in which they are laterdischarged. These pollutants can ruin the aesthetic appearance and areharmful to the natural plants and wildlife in rivers, streams, lakes andoceans where the discharged pollutants eventually settle. Typical waysfor communities to keep the storm drain collection sewers clean andpassable is through expensive maintenance programs that would generallyincludes sending out crews of several workers on a continuous basis tothe drain sites.

Numerous types of flexible bag shaped filters, baskets and removablescreens have been proposed to solve the problem of preventing debrisfrom entering storm water collection sewers. However, these bag filters,baskets and screens are difficult and costly to remove and replace whenfull. Further, the material composition of the bag filters have alimited short lifespan. Furthermore, the bag filters, baskets andscreens restrict all storm water to run directly through the deviceitself and thus when clogged with debris do not have the capability toallow the storm water to run around. When clogged, the main flow ofwater into the drain sewers can be obstructed by these devices and causeflooding damage to surrounding areas. Examples of removable bag filters,screens and baskets include: U.S. Pat. No.: 783,556 to Van Buskirk; U.S.Pat. No. 1,451,394 to Hurst; U.S. Pat. No. 1,675,714 to Koch; U.S. Pat.No. 2,669,197 to Duzer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,430 to Kinne; U.S. Pat. No.4,268,390 to Cunningham; U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,232 to Arntyr; U.S. Pat.No. 4,793,728 to Ellis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,587 to Hegemier et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,284,580 to Shyh; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,367 to Sainz; U.S.Pat. No. 5,372,714 to Logue, Jr.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,619 to Murfae et al. describes a filter assembly forstorm water sewers. However, the Murfae et al. device requires a"forklift" to use and is limited to being applied above existing curbsin FIG. 3, or must be placed upstream from existing sewer lines in FIG.5. The Murfae et al. device is not practical because of it's weightlimitations and elaborate and its expensive construction requirements ofdigging up and constructing additional basins in which to use thedevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,122 to Wiesemann describes a self cleaning staticbar grid but still allows for debris to pass through the funnel boxitself. U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,539 to Schneider describes an elaborate andimpractical filter system where a "telescopic" expanding bench shaped"bed" must be physically inserted into a storm drain, where a wovenfilter screen laid on the bed can become clogged and be difficult if notimpossible to remove from the storm drain.

Thus, the need exists for a solution to the above presented problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first objective of the present invention is to provide a device forremoving debris that is readily sizable and insertable into existingstorm water collection sewers.

The second object of this invention is to provide a debris removingdevice for storm water collection sewers that allows for overflowrunoff.

The third object of this invention is to provide a debris removingbasket device for storm water collection sewers that can be removed,when necessary, by a single worker.

The fourth object of this invention is to provide a long lasting anddurable debris removing device for use with existing storm watercollection sewers.

The fifth object of this invention is to provide a debris removingdevice that is adaptable for variable sized storm water collectionsewers.

The sixth object of this invention is to provide a debris removingdevice for storm collection drains which can be formed from poured,precast and/or prestressed concrete.

The seventh object of this invention is to provide a debris removingdevice for storm collection drains which can be formed from fiberglass,and hardened plastic.

The eighth object of this invention is to provide a debris removingdevice for storm collection drains that can be formed from aluminum,galvanized steel, stainless steel, rust resistant metals and the like.

The ninth object of this invention is to provide plural removablebaskets for storm water collection sewers that can each be removableseparately or together, when necessary, by a single worker.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of a presently preferred embodimentwhich is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a first preferred embodiment ofthe storm water invention

FIG. 2 is a front view of the foldable side wings with attached backwall of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the removable screen basket of theinvention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the removable screen basket of FIG. 3 alongarrow A.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the removable screen basket of FIG. 3 alongarrow B.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame support of the backwall frame of FIG. 1 along arrow C.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment invention ofFIG. 1 along arrow D assembled in a storm water drain.

FIG. 8 illustrates the invention of FIG. 7 with the screen basketremoved.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the assembled invention of FIG. 7 along arrow E.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the inventionassembled in a storm drain.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the assembled invention of FIG. 10 along arrowF.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a third preferred embodiment of the inventionassembled in a storm drain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention indetail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown since theinvention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a first preferred embodiment ofthe storm water invention 10. The invention 10 includes left slidingrectangular plate 102, left side wall tab 104 with hole 105 where abolt(not shown) can be used to adhere the left slide rectangular plate102 to the side wall inside of a storm water drain inlet which canbetter be seen in reference to FIGS. 7-8. Referring back to FIG. 1, leftslide rectangular plate 102 further includes a left flat edge 106 whichcan alternatively be curved when the inside of the drain well walls arecurved. Plate 102 also includes top longitudinal slot 109 and bottomlongitudinal slot 110 both of which can be approximately 2 and 7/8inches long and 3/8 of an inch thick. Plate 102 further includes a topangled rectangular deflector portion 108 which bends back approximately128-135 degrees from the slide plate 102, the latter of which can betterbe seen in reference to FIGS. 6-8.

Referring to FIG. 1, invention 10 also includes right slidingrectangular plate 112, right side wall tab 114 with hole 115 where abolt(not shown) can be used to adhere the right slide rectangular plate112 to the side wall inside of a storm water drain inlet which canbetter be seen in reference to FIGS. 7-8. Referring back to FIG. 1,right sliding rectangular plate 112 further includes a right flat edge116 which can alternatively be curved when the inside of the drain wellwalls are curved. Plate 112 also includes top longitudinal slot 119 andbottom longitudinal slot 120 both of which can be approximately 2 and7/8 inches long and 3/8 of an inch thick. Plate 112 further includes atop angled rectangular deflector portion 118 which bends backapproximately 128-135 degrees from the slide plate 102, the latter ofwhich can better be seen in reference to FIGS. 6-8.

Behind plates 102 and 112 is the frame backing 200. FIG. 2 is a frontview of the foldable side wings 202, 222 with attached back wall 215 ofthe invention 10 depicted in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, backing 200includes a left rectangular shaped wing 202 which has slots 209 and 210which correspond in position and size behind slots 109 and 110 of plate102. Wing 202 also has an angled rectangular deflector portion 204 andwing 202 is connected to rectangular back pane 215 by a row of left sidehinges 206. Backing 200 further includes a right rectangular shaped wing222 which has slots 229 and 230 which correspond in position and sizebehind slots 119 and 120 of plate 112. Wing 222 also has an angledrectangular deflector portion 224 and wing 222 is is connected torectangular back panel 215 by a row of right side hinges 226. Unlike,the slide and wing plates, the back panel 215 does not have any topdeflector portion the significance of which will become apparent lateron. Back panel 215 has a top ridge portion 219 which is the same heightas the inlet ridge portion 319 of basket 300. Note plural conventionalscrew 19 and nut 20 can be used to attach outer slide plates 202 and 222to slide plates 102 and 112, respectively, through each of theirrespective longitudinal slots, 109, 110, 119, 120.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the removable screen basket 300 ofthe invention 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top view of the removable screenbasket 300 of FIG. 3 along arrow A. FIG. 5 is a side view of theremovable screen basket 300 of FIG. 3 along arrow B. Referring to FIGS.4-6, rectangular shaped basket 300 is comprised of screen/mesh metal ofvariable size openings along the front, back, sides and base. Basket 300includes base portion 311 having a depth, D, of approximately 10 inches,front portion 312 which runs from base portion 311 to ridge 319 which isapproximately 10 inches in height. Basket 300 includes rectangular sides316 and 318 that each are sized of approximately 10 inches by a height,H, of approximately 14 inches. The rear of basket 300 includes back wallportion 314 having dimensions of approximately length, L1, ofapproximately 17 inches by a height, H, of approximately 14 inches. Thelower height of front portion 312 allows ridge 319 to be even with thetop of back pane 215 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, basket 300includes side L-shaped brackets 325, 335 each having through openings327, 337, respectively, the latter are used for supporting basket 300 toinvention 10 and will be discussed later. Basket 300 further includesfixably attached side metal square plates 382, 386(each approximately 2,1/2 by 2 and 1/2 inches). Each bracket 382, 386 has slots 383, 387,respectively, for allowing bent ends 392 and 396 of handle 390 to berotatably mounted thereon.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame support 400 of theback wall panel 215 of FIG. 1 along arrow C. FIG. 7 is a side view ofthe invention of FIG. 1 along arrow D assembled in a storm water drain500. FIG. 8 illustrates the invention of FIG. 7 with the screen basketremoved. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, back panel 215 has two side legs 420and 440 running down from the top end corners 219. Legs 420, 440 eachhave bottom portions 422, 442, respectively, for contacting the floorarea 502 of a storm water drain inlet 500. Back panel 215 can be set atan angle, X, of approximately 45 to 55 degrees, but preferably 52degrees to legs 420, 440. Each of the legs 420, 440 have hookportions(one of which is shown). Leg 420 is shown having hook portion425 with bent end 427 that receives the through-hole 327 of the L-shapedbracket 325 for supporting one side of the basket 300. The deflectorsare oriented at an angle, Y, of approximately 128 to 135 degrees, butpreferably 132 degrees to the panel on which they are connected. Forexample, deflector 204 has an angle, Y, of approximately 132 degrees topanel 202.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 1, storm water including debris entersstorm water drain inlet 500 from street level 501 along arrow P andexits along pipe 510 along arrow Q. Invention 10 is placed along thefloor 502 between inlet wall area 503 and exit pipe 510. When assembled,the base of basket 300 is supported by hook portions 425 approximatelyone inch above floor 502. Storm water can fill the area in front ofinvention 10 and will be forced by the opening above ridges 219, 319that is between deflectors 204 and 224(see FIG. 1) and into basket 300.If basket 300 becomes clogged or filled, the invention 10, allows forstorm water buildup to overflow side deflectors 108, 204, 119 and 224.FIG. 8 shows that a filled basket 300 can be removed by a single worker800, by opening conventional manhole cover 590. FIG. 9 is a top view ofthe assembled invention of FIG. 7 along arrow E.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, the slidable rectangular plates102, 112 can slide along until side tabs 104 and 114 contact side walls509 of the drain inlet 500. In FIG. 7, side tab 104 is attached to sidewall 509 by bolt 105. The slidable plates 102, 112 and foldable wings202 and 212(see FIG. 2) when folded together allow invention 10 to beeasily inserted and removed into drain inlet 500 through manhole cover590.

All materials for forming the panels, brackets, handles, of the firstpreferred embodiment can be preformed from poured and/or precastconcrete. These materials can further be formed from molded plastic,fiberglass and the like. Still further, these components can be madefrom rust resistant metal materials such as but not limited togalvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum and the like, which is whatthe baskets are preferably formed from. The fixed attached components ofthe invention can be fixably attached to one another by casting,hinging, soldering, welding and the like. Still furthermore, thematerials used in these components can be combinations of metal andfiberglass, metal and plastic, metal and concrete, plastic and concreteand the like. For example, the sliding panels 102 and 112 of FIG. 1 canbe fiberglass, and the wing plates 202, 222 can be galvanized steel.

SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 10 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the inventionhaving a chute ramp 600 assembled in a storm drain having an outlet 511running beneath street level inlet 501 in the direction of arrow R.Unlike the first preferred embodiment, chute ramp 600 of FIG. 10 anglesdownward along arrow Z of approximately 25 to 75 degrees into basket300. Frame support, basket 300 and their respective components 420, 422,425, 427 correspond to and operate in a similar manner to the likecomponents of the first preferred embodiment discussed previously. Framesupport 400 has two side legs 420 and 440(not shown) running down fromthe top end corners 219. Legs 420,440 each have bottom portions 422,442(not shown), respectively, for contacting the floor area 502 of thestorm water drain inlet. Each of the legs 420, 440 have hookportions(one of which is shown). Leg 420 is shown having hook portion425 with bent end 427 that receives and supports each side of the basket300.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the assembled invention of FIG. 10 includingthe chute ramp 600 along arrow F. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, chuteramp 600 includes central planar portion 610 connected by hinges 617 onone side to left triangular wing 620. Central ramp portion 610 isconnected by another set of hinges 615 to right triangular wing 630.Both triangular wings 620 and 630 have respective outside tapered raisededges 625 and 635. Alternatively side edges 625 and 635 can be curvedand or have raised ridges. Chute ramp 600 includes edge 612 which canrest on the side of inlet 501. Edge 619 corresponds to and operatessimilar to edge 319 depicted in the first preferred embodiment shownmore clearly in FIG. 1. The remaining components, materials andoperation of the second preferred embodiment of FIGS. 10-11 correspondsto those of the first preferred embodiment previously discussed. InFIGS. 10-11, the size of the basket 300 allows for overflowing water torun around the basket if the basket itself is filled. Thus, neither thefirst nor the second preferred embodiment will cause an obstruction inthe storm water drain if the baskets themselves become filled withdebris.

All materials for forming the panels, brackets, handles, of the secondpreferred embodiment can be preformed from poured and/or precastconcrete. The materials can further be formed from molded plastic,fiberglass and the like. Still further, these components can be madefrom rust resistant metal materials such as but not limited togalvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum and the like, similar to thethose materials that preferably form the basket. The fixed attachedcomponents of the invention can be fixably attached to one another bycasting, hinging, soldering, welding and the like. Still furthermore,the materials used in these components can be combinations of metal andfiberglass, metal and plastic, metal and concrete, plastic and concreteand the like.

Although the side wings depicted in the preferred embodiments includeside edges that are perpendicular to the top and bottom edges, the sideedges can be constructed with angular or curved edges when the insidesof the storm drain inlet have inclined or curved walls.

THIRD PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 12 is a side view of a third preferred embodiment 700 of theinvention assembled in a storm drain 503. Embodiment 700 is similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 7, except that the concrete slope ramp 720 and725 includes a concrete stem section 710 which attaches to the interiordrain side wall 503 by fasteners such as brackets 711 and the like, orcan be cast monlithic with side wall 503. Ramp 720, 725 can slope at anangle A3 of greater than 0 degrees but less than approximately 180degrees. In operation, water travelling in the direction of arrow P toroll across stem section 710 and up ramp section 720. Optionally lowerramp section 725 can be removed leaving just stem section 710 and upperramp section 720. Concrete rim 730 is equivalent to rims 204, 224 shownmore clearly in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 12, components 1425 and 1325are equivalent to like components 325, 425 shown more clearly in FIG. 7.Embodiment 700 includes a two tiered removable baskets 1300 and 2300each having respective handles 1390 and 2390. Top basket 1300 has abottom 1375 having smaller mesh openings that in effect hold largedebris such as wood branches and the like therein. An expansion lip 2310around the top edge of lower basket 2300 allows the bottom of top basket1300 to sit thereon. Lower basket 2300 can have a bottom 2375 havingsmaller mesh openings than upper basket. Bottom 2375 can have meshopenings which hold sand therein but still allowing water to flowtherethrough. An optional version of the two baskets 1300 and 2300 canbe a single basket having two mesh layers arranged similarly.

While the invention has been described for insertion into a storm watercollection sewer with an inlet on the left side and an outlet pipe drainextending out an opposite side, the invention can be inserted into othertypes of storm water collection sewers with different directions forinlet and outlet pipe drains.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it haspresumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be,nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

We claim:
 1. A removable storm water apparatus for storm watercollection sewers, comprising:an angled front panel having a front rimfor receiving storm water thereon from an edge of a storm drain inlet atstreet level and a rear rim, the front panel includes:a chute ramphaving an inlet side and an outlet side the inlet side, angled in adownward direction from the edge of the storm drain inlet at the streetlevel; and a removable basket having an opening located below the outletside of the ramp, wherein the front panel and the basket are insertedwithin a storm water collection sewer in order to control and preventdebris from passing through the sewer.
 2. The removable storm waterapparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable basket further includes:afirst basket having a first bottom mesh openings; and a second basketpositioned beneath the first basket having second bottom mesh openingsbottom, wherein the first bottom mesh openings are larger than thesecond bottom mesh openings allowing larger debris to be collected inthe first basket.
 3. The removable storm water apparatus of claim 1,wherein the angled panel is formed from:concrete.
 4. The removable stormwater apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled panel is formedfrom:plastic.
 5. The removable storm water apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe angled panel includes:side wing portions.
 6. The removable stormwater apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled panel is formedfrom:fiberglass.
 7. The removable storm water apparatus of claim 1,wherein the angled panel is formed from:rust resistant metal.
 8. Theremovable storm water apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled panel isformed from at least one combination of:concrete, fiberglass, plasticand rust resistant metal.
 9. A removable storm water apparatus for stormwater collection sewers, comprising:a left wing panel having a firstside and a second side; a central panel rotatably connected on one sideto the second side of the left wing panel; a right wing panel having afirst side and a second side, the first side rotatably connected toanother side of the central panel; and a removable basket located behindthe front panel, wherein the basket can be inserted and removed by asingle worker within a storm water collection sewer to control andprevent debris from passing through the sewer.
 10. The removable stormwater apparatus of claim 9, further including:a left triangular winghaving a base edge, a longitudinal edge perpendicular to the base edge,and an angled raised edge; a central panel having a first side and asecond side, the first side rotatably connected the longitudinal edge ofthe left triangular wing; a right triangular wing having a base edge, alongitudinal edge perpendicular to the base edge, and an angled raisededge, the longitudinal edge of the right triangular wing rotatablyconnected to the second side of the central panel, and wherein thebasket is located behind the central panel.
 11. A concrete storm waterdrain apparatus and removable basket for storm water collection sewer,comprising in combination:a concrete ramp in a storm water collectionsewer having an inlet side and an outlet side, the inlet side forreceiving storm water from a storm drain inlet at street level; and aremovable basket having an opening located behind the outlet side of theramp, wherein the basket is inserted within a storm water collectionsewer in order to control and prevent debris from passing through thesewer.
 12. The concrete storm water drain apparatus and removable basketof claim 11, wherein the ramp further includes:a concrete stem sectionlocated between a front mid portion of the ramp and an interior sidewall of the storm water collection sewer, the stem section beingperpendicular to the interior side wall of the storm water collectionsewer.
 13. The concrete storm water drain apparatus and removable basketof claim 11, wherein the removable basket further includes:a firstbasket having a first bottom mesh openings; and a second basketpositioned beneath the first basket having second bottom mesh openingsbottom, wherein the first bottom mesh openings are larger than thesecond bottom mesh openings allowing larger debris to be collected inthe first basket.
 14. The concrete storm water drain apparatus andremovable basket of claim 11, further comprising:concrete rims on theoutlet side of the ramp for directing the water to the basket.
 15. Theconcrete storm water drain apparatus and removable basket of claim 11,further comprising:a hook attached to the outlet side of the ramp forholding the basket to the ramp.
 16. The concrete storm water drainapparatus and removable basket of claim 11, wherein the concrete ramp isformed from:pre-cast concrete.
 17. The concrete storm water drainapparatus and removable basket of claim 11, wherein the concrete ramp isformed from:poured concrete.